Academics

Course Descriptions

Geology (GEOL)

GEOL 106&nbsp
Dinosaurs&nbsp
(5)

Dinosaur biology, behavior, and evolution. Exploration of the factors that led to the dinosaur’s extinction and the history of their discovery by paleontologists. With dinosaurs as the focal point, the course also introduces students to how hypotheses in science are formulated and tested. Students examine fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals during classroom discussions. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL& 101. Satisfies a natural science requirement for AA degree.

GEOL 107&nbsp
Prehistoric Life&nbsp
(5)

Introduces fossils and the geologic record. Topics include geologic time, different types of fossils and how they are preserved, what fossils tell us about past life, how the history of life unfolded, how the earth's environments have changed over time, what caused the great events in biological evolution, and what caused extinctions. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL& 101. Satisfies a natural science or lab science requirement for AA degree.

GEOL 150&nbsp
Field Trips in Geology 1&nbsp
(1)

Investigates the geology of the Pacific Northwest. Locations of field trips vary from quarter to quarter. Some of the trips involve hiking up to three or four miles on variable terrain. PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in GEOL, or GEOL& 101; or instructor's permission. Eligible for ENGL& 101. Satisfies an activity requirement for AA degree. This is a pass/no-credit course.

GEOL 151&nbsp
Dinosaurs: Museum Field Trips in Geology&nbsp
(1)

Students learn about dinosaur biology, behavior, and the reasons behind their extinction. Students examine fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals during classroom discussions and students are guided through dinosaur exhibits at museums in the Puget Sound region. Students are responsible for museum entry fees and transportation to and from museums. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL& 101. This is a pass/no-credit course.

GEOL 152&nbsp
Field Trips in Geology 2&nbsp
(1)

Investigates the geology of the Pacific Northwest. Locations of field trips vary from quarter to quarter. Some of the trips involve hiking up to 3 or 4 miles on variable terrain. PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in GEOL, or GEOL& 101, or instructor's permission. Eligible for ENGL& 101. Satisfies an activity requirement for AA degree. This is a pass/no-credit course.

GEOL 153&nbsp
Field Trips in Geology 3&nbsp
(1)

Investigates the geology of the Pacific Northwest. Locations of field trips vary from quarter to quarter. Some of the trips involve hiking up to 3 or 4 miles on variable terrain. PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in GEOL, or GEOL& 101, or instructor's permission. Eligible for ENGL& 101. Satisfies an activity requirement for AA degree. This is a pass/no-credit course.

GEOL 200&nbsp
Geological Investigations of the National Parks&nbsp
(5)

An investigation of the geology of national parks of the U.S. and Canada. The primary emphasis is on the geology of the western park. PREREQUISITE: GEOL& 101 and eligible for ENGL& 101. Satisfies a natural science requirement for AA degree.

GEOL 206&nbsp
Earth History&nbsp
(5)

A study of the geological theories of the evolution of the earth, the oceans, the atmospheres, and life. Includes principles of physical stratigraphy, biostratigraphy, geochronology, plate tectonics, fossil identification, and the paleogeographic changes in North America through time. PREREQUISITE: GEOL& 101 and eligible for ENGL& 101. Satisfies a lab or natural science requirement for AA degree.

GEOL 299&nbsp
Independent Study-Geology&nbsp
(1-5)

Allows and encourages students to study independently in their special interest in geology. Course contents, type and scope of project is decided in conference between student and instructor. PREREQUISITE: GEOL& 101 and/or instructor's permission and eligible for ENGL& 101.

GEOL& 101&nbsp
Introduction to Physical Geology&nbsp
(5)

Survey of the physical systems that give the Earth its form. Emphasizes the dynamic nature of interior and exterior processes and their relevance to humans. Laboratory class with field trips. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL& 101. Satisfies a lab or natural science requirement for AA degree.

GEOL& 208&nbsp
Geology of the Pacific Northwest&nbsp
(5)

Covers the geological history of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Emphasizes the use of geologic principles in interpreting evidence found in landscapes and rocks. Includes field trips. PREREQUISITE: GEOL& 101 or equivalent and eligible for ENGL& 101. Satisfies a lab or natural science requirement for AA degree.